Boise’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants

by Lysi Bishop Real Estate

Photo courtesy of Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood/Facebook

Whether you are a hopeless romantic who goes all-in for Valentine’s Day or you’re just looking for an excuse to visit one of Boise’s best restaurants, this list of fine dining establishments is worth checking out. Including long-standing local favorites along with some of the area’s newest hot spots, no matter where you decide to dine, you are sure to experience exceptional service and creative cuisine. Grab your Valentine for a romantic dinner for two, plan a fun night out with friends, or stop in for a happy hour cocktail—the luxury ambiance, upscale design, elevated offerings, and exemplary service offered at these spots will not disappoint!

Percy - A concept created by Boise locals, The Wylder Hospitality Group, Percy features an incredible menu, friendly service, and classy, high-end ambiance. The polished American cuisine is perfect for a celebratory meal or special night out, and they pride themselves on being “upscale but exceedingly approachable.” Stop in for an appetizer and glass of wine at the long, marble-topped bar, or make a reservation to get the full experience. This is one of downtown’s most popular spots for a spectacular meal surrounded by a hip, stylish atmosphere. Welcomed by a smile, with warm and hospitable service, it is refined dining without pretentiousness. 

Saltbrush - Elevated dining combined with a warm, inviting feel, this newer restaurant in downtown Boise is the ideal spot to dine for Valentine’s Day. Business partners Neil Grant and Erik Johnson created a space with accessible ambiance and world-class cuisine and wine. “Saltbrush was born out of a passion for food, wine, and gathering friends together. Neil owned and managed three restaurants in his native South Africa, while Erik, who grew up in Boise, spread his wings as an executive chef in the California wine country. "With intimate dining for 2 or larger booths for a gaggle of girlfriends, it is perfect for a romantic evening or lively celebration. 

KIN - Led by chef Kris Komori, Idaho’s first James Beard Award winner, KIN is more than a restaurant. It is an immersive dining experience that celebrates Idaho’s flavors, from freshly picked produce to locally raised meats. Featuring a truly elevated farm-to-table menu that changes and evolves every 4-5 weeks, their commitment is to using high-quality, local ingredients that reflect Idaho’s seasonal, natural growing & harvest cycles. They offer a rotating 5-course prix-fixe menu with optional beverage pairings along with exceptional service and vibe. While you are there, be sure to check out their speakeasy, Ampersand, for elevated views of the city and perfectly crafted cocktails. 

Coa De Jima - This unique concept offers a fresh perspective on Mexican dining, with innovative cuisine, one-of-a-kind handcrafted cocktails, and art-filled walls. Their mission is to serve upscale authentic Mexican food with an exotic twist. The space, menu, and service stand as an invitation to indulge in the excellence of fine dining. One of our favorite elements of the Coa de Jima experience is the interior design and artwork, adding visual delights to the chef’s extraordinary flavors. Featuring 18th-century doors and chandeliers sourced from Mexico, as well as original 18th-century Spanish paintings and photography, the space is inspiring and intriguing. In the bar area, the “Arbol de la vida," or tree of life, feels like a living work of art. If you love this spot, be sure to check out their sister restaurant in Eagle, Coa Del Mar, serving upscale fresh seafood.

Crave Kitchen & Bar - Locally owned and operated, Crave is one of Eagle’s most well-loved restaurants. Created around the principles of exceptional food that begins with quality, outstanding service based on teamwork, and a culture of excellence devoted to their guest's satisfaction, it is a luxurious dining experience from start to finish. From hand-cut steaks and fish to fresh pasta & bread made daily in-house, it is not hard to understand why this is a favorite spot for foodies. 

Avery Bar & Brasserie - Located in downtown Boise’s only historic boutique hotel, this French-inspired restaurant serves world-class cuisine with “Boise kind’ vibes. The 120-year-old property was meticulously renovated and reimagined, with art, textiles, and furniture masterfully curated by a local interior designer, Alex Kovich of KovichCo Interiors. Anchored by an antique Brunswick bar from 1905, the space inspires all occasions, including a romantic Valentine’s Day meal. Michelin-starred Chef Cal Elliott creates culinary masterpieces accented with a finely curated list of cocktails and wines. Hop in to Tiner’s Alley, located at the rear of the hotel, for a more casual experience or an after-dinner drink!

Chandlers - Named as one of the country’s top 100 romantic restaurants by Open Table, Chandlers is a long-standing staple in downtown Boise. The premier steakhouse has been in business since 1994, offering over a dozen selections of hand-cut and trimmed streaks ranging from corn-fed Midwest price to Northwest American, Japanese A5 wagyu, to organic grass-fed beef. The classy and romantic mood is enhanced by their nightly live jazz music, and on Valentine’s Day there will be a solo pianist playing from 5:30-7:30 and the Mike Rosenthal Trio plays from 8-10pm. 

Alavita - This cozy, brick-walled trattoria offers delectable Italian meals prepared with local ingredients. A restaurant whose name means “To Life” is the perfect place to raise a glass and toast life, love, and connection. They create their pasta fresh every day using Northwest flour and local farm-fresh eggs, and their delightful menu is uncomplicated, relatable, and well-executed. We love to grab a seat at the bar for a personalized experience, and during dinner service, guests are able to catch a peek at the restaurant’s culinary crew preparing their meals. 

Terroir - A French term used to describe the soil and climate that give wine and food their unique flavors and characteristics. Terroir Bistro is a cozy, intimate space that feels as if you’ve just walked off the street into a corner bistro in a small town in France. Serving locally sourced food in creative ways, chefs Nate Whitley and Remi Courcenet are dedicated to a philosophy centered around creating “A Sense of Place” in the way they approach their food, drinks, and service. This quiet, quaint space is a wonderfully lovely option for a Valentine’s Day meal with a dear friend or loved one. If you can’t get a reservation or prefer a more casual eatery, try a taste of Terroir’s menu served out of their Winery Trailer open at Telaya Winery Thursdays through Sundays. 

 

 

 

Categories